SFU animal killer released from jail, expected to live in Vancouver

The B.C. Corrections Branch has issued a rare public warning about a convicted animal killer with an “escalating criminal history” who has been released into Metro Vancouver.

Former Simon Fraser University student Kayla Bourque, 23, pleaded guilty to counts of killing an animal, causing pain and suffering to an animal and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose last year.

She was sentenced to eight months in jail in November, but had already been in custody for six.

Now that she’s free, Bourque, who also allegedly fantasized about murdering people, is expected to reside in Vancouver.

Officials warn that she has committed violence against both animals and people in the past, and is considered a high risk to re-offend.

The Corrections Branch issued the warning Monday, while assuring that Bourque will be closely monitored by police and detailing her 46 court-ordered release conditions.

“I appreciate people’s concern and that’s exactly why we’re issuing this notification,” said Branch spokeswoman Marnie Mayhew. “Certainly if there’s any breaches of her court-ordered conditions, we can submit a report to the courts and as a result of that she can be returned to custody.”

Among her strict conditions is a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., which Bourque can only break to obtain emergency medical treatment or with the written permission of a probation officer.

She’s forbidden from owning weapons, internet-capable cell phones or computers, and animals, and barred from attending any post-secondary courses.

Bourque has also been ordered not to associate with anyone under the age of 18, or visit a school, park, playground, swimming pool or any area where they’re likely to be present.

She cannot begin any close, intimate, familiar or familial relationships without advising those involved about her criminal record with a probation officer present. She also must participate in any psychiatric assessments and counselling programs her probation officer orders.

“Quite frankly, if she scratches herself somebody will know about it. They’re incredibly restrictive,” said SFU criminology professor Robert Gordon. “It seems likely that she’ll slip up at some point along the way here.

Authorities were alerted to Bourque's crimes last March by a classmate who had become friends with her.

Search warrant documents obtained by CTV News suggest Bourque had told the friend she wanted “to get a gun and kill homeless people” as well as “kill her mother and younger brother.”

The tip resulted in a search of Bourque's university residence, during which police seized a laptop, three USB storage devices and a binder containing depictions of sexual homicide, dismemberment, serial killers and a tortured cat.

Officers also allegedly found what they described as a “kill kit” containing a knife, syringe, restraints, black gloves and a demon mask.

Anyone who sees Bourque violating any of her conditions is asked to call local police immediately.